Launching CONNECT New World: The New Route Development Forum for the Americas

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 30th May – 1st June 2023

The Airport Agency, founder of the CONNECT Forum, is delighted to announce the launch of CONNECT New World, a new regional event dedicated to the Americas and the Caribbean.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and AERODOM-VINCI Airports, operators of Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), the event will take place in Santo Domingo, “La Capital”, a vibrant city and a stunning location at the crossroad of North and South America.

Known for its tropical climate and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Dominican Republic is also the economic lung of the Caribbean boasting a rich history and unique culture, with luxurious accommodation and modern facilities.

As the aviation industry is entering a new world, next Spring 2023 Santo Domingo will be the place to meet again, develop and build back global air services.

“I am delighted to welcome you all to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the launch of CONNECT New World. Aviation has faced tremendous challenges in the past two years, and looking forward, there are going to be challenges to meet new environmental and long-term sustainability.” Karin Butot, CEO and founder of the Airport Agency, creator and organiser of CONNECT, comments. “Our key mission is to improve and develop air services to the region, CONNECT New World will also be the place where leaders and innovators discuss and explore solutions to these new challenges.”

Santo Domingo has a population of nearly 3 million and is the oldest city of the “New World”. Its Colonial City was listed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990. In May 2022, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognized the Dominican for achieving the most successful recovery of the industry in the world, reaching record numbers in tourist arrivals. Las Américas Airport (SDQ) is the main air terminal in the Dominican Republic due to its location and ranks second in the flow of regular passengers in the country.

“With the Caribbean’s most advanced transportation system, the largest offer of beachfront and city rooms and venues, a rich landscape begging for outdoor activities, an electric cultural scene, and a climate as warm as its people: the Dominican Republic is the ideal working playground”. says David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic. “Being the best-connected Caribbean destination with eight international airports at key points around the country receiving hundreds of flights originating worldwide, we are delighted to serve as host country for CONNECT New World, a platform for senior decision makers to meet and discuss the region’s air services. I invite you to join senior industry professionals from airlines, airports and destinations, and come to discover all that the Dominican Republic has to offer: from beaches and modern cities to mountains and colonial towns.”

“For AERODOM and VINCI Airports it is a pleasure to co-host CONNECT New World in Santo Domingo. We will be excited to receive executives from airlines, airports, tour operators and tourism authorities to explore new air routes; as well as to develop the existing ones”, said Mónika Infante Henríquez, CEO of AERODOM.

The Dominican Republic’s new ultra-low-cost carrier AraJet is supporting the event as the Official Carrier. CONNECT New World will be held on 30th May – 1st June, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

ABOUT CONNECT ROUTE DEVELOPMENT FORUM:

CONNECT is an established route development event created by The Airport Agency and operating in the European region for the past 18 years. The event provides a unique meeting platform for airlines, airports, tourism bodies and industry suppliers.

CONNECT New World is the inaugural event for the Americas which will welcome senior decision makers to come and discuss air service development through:

• Unlimited face-to-face meetings, managed in the Delegate Account by delegates themselves prior to the event
• A diverse conference programme, with industry and airline briefings as well as panel discussions
• A social networking programme including evening functions, morning activities and excursions

Taking place over 3 days, the event will bring together key figures from the industry to discuss current and future aviation issues, find new partnerships and secure current ones, while discoveringa rich and diverse destination.

For more information about CONNECT visit: https://newworld.connect-aviation.com/

ABOUT SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, The Dominican Republic is one of the most desired destinations for a combined business and leisure trip. From sea to mountain ranges, valleys, sand dunes, the Dominican Republic has one of the most varied landscapes in the Caribbean. The island is situated just two hours south of Miami, less than four hours from New York and eight hours from most European cities.

Las Américas International Airport is located in the country’s capital city, Santo Domingo, and is the country’s main port of entry. The city is the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean, and home to the first European settlement of the Americas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Colonial City.

Dominican Republic Tourism Official Website: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/

Las Américas International Airport: https://www.aeropuertolasamericas.com/